Stauning Danish Whisky logo

Stauning Danish Whisky Distillery

Region
  • Skjern, Denmark
Awards
  • Stauning Peated was awarded Best Danish Single Malt Whisky in 2017, Stauning Rye Belize Rum Cask Finish won Best Danish Rye Whisky in 2019
Website
  • http://www.stauningwhisky.com/
Phone Number
  • +4588442122
Address
  • Stauningvej 38, 6900 Skjern, Denmark

Stauning Danish Whisky distillery building

History of Stauning Danish Whisky Distillery


Stauning Danish Whisky Distillery was founded in 2005 by nine friends: Ulrik, Hans, Niels, Niels Peder, Morten, Martin, Lasse, Kristina, and Anders. They shared a passion for whisky and a vision to create high-quality Danish whisky using traditional methods and local ingredients. Their journey began in a small farm building in the village of Stauning on the west coast of Denmark.

Founders and Their Vision

The founders came from diverse professional backgrounds, including doctors, teachers, and engineers, united by their love for whisky. They were determined to produce whisky that could stand alongside the finest Scotch whiskies. Their innovative approach and dedication to craftsmanship have been key to their success.

Expansion and Modernization

As the demand for Stauning Whisky grew, the founders decided to expand their production capabilities. In 2015, they embarked on a major expansion project, which included building a new, state-of-the-art distillery. The new facility, completed in 2018, allowed Stauning to increase production while maintaining their commitment to quality and traditional methods.

Types of Whisky Offered

Stauning offers a diverse range of whiskies, each with unique characteristics:

  • Stauning Peated: A peated single malt whisky made from local peat, providing a smoky flavor.
  • Stauning Rye: A rye whisky crafted from malted rye and barley, known for its spicy and robust profile.
  • Stauning Kaos: A blend of Stauning’s rye, peated, and traditional single malt whiskies, offering a complex and balanced flavor.
  • Stauning Young Rye: A younger version of their rye whisky, aged for a shorter period but still rich in character.

Traditional Methods and Local Ingredients

Stauning is renowned for its commitment to traditional whisky-making techniques. The distillery uses floor malting, where the grain is spread out on the floor and turned by hand to germinate. They also employ direct-fired stills, which enhance the flavor profile of their whiskies. All ingredients are sourced locally, including the water from a nearby stream and the grain from local farms.

Awards Won by Stauning Danish Whisky Distillery

World Whiskies Awards:

  • Stauning Peated was awarded Best Danish Single Malt Whisky in 2017. This recognition highlighted its smoky characteristics, derived from peat smoke during the malt drying process.
  • Stauning Rye Belize Rum Cask Finish won Best Danish Rye Whisky in 2019. This rye whisky, aged in Belize rum casks, impressed with its rich and complex flavor profile.

International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC):

  • Stauning Rye Double Dip received a Silver Award in 2019, showcasing its balanced and robust taste.

Ascot Awards:

  • Stauning Rye Whisky achieved Double Platinum in 2023 and was named Best World Whiskey in the same year. This series of awards underscores the distillery’s international acclaim and the exceptional quality of its rye whisky.

Icons of Whisky Global Awards:

  • In 2023, Stauning was honored as the Global Sustainable Distillery of the Year, recognizing its commitment to sustainable practices in whisky production.

San Francisco World Spirits Competition:

  • Stauning’s various expressions, including its peated and rye whiskies, have consistently received medals, reinforcing its reputation for quality.

Stauning Danish Whisky Distillery Tour Information and Experience

Stauning Danish Whisky Distillery offers a comprehensive and immersive tour experience, providing visitors with an in-depth look at the whisky-making process from grain to glass. The distillery, located on the west coast of Denmark in Stauning, Jutland, is renowned for its traditional methods and innovative approach to whisky production.

Guided Tours

The guided tours at Stauning Distillery typically last between 90 to 120 minutes and cover all aspects of the whisky production process. Visitors can see everything from the floor malting of the grains to the distillation in small copper pot stills, and learn about the history and philosophy behind Stauning Whisky. The tours also include tasting sessions where guests can sample a variety of Stauning’s whiskies, including their signature Single Malt and Single Rye whiskies.

Booking Information

Tours need to be booked in advance due to high demand, but it’s also possible to check for available slots on the day of your visit. If plans change, cancellations or changes can be made up to 48 hours before the scheduled tour by contacting the distillery shop.

Special Events

Stauning Whisky also hosts special events that provide a deeper dive into whisky appreciation. These events may include tasting sessions of special cask maturations, cocktail courses, and other unique experiences that highlight the distillery’s innovative spirit.

Group Visits

For larger groups or corporate events, Stauning offers customized tours outside of the regular schedule. Interested parties can contact the distillery to arrange a tailored visit.

Distillery Features

The distillery itself is a blend of modern architecture and traditional craftsmanship. Designed by Morten Nymann, it features 24 small copper pot stills and is known for its aesthetic appeal and functional design, which have won several design awards.

During the tour, visitors will experience the distinct sound, smell, and taste of a Danish whisky distillery. The journey concludes in a cozy tasting room where guests can sample the core range of Stauning’s whiskies, as well as special editions from their Research Series. The tasting room ambiance and the quality of the whiskies make for a memorable visit.

Flask & Barrel Review of Stauning Danish Whisky Distillery

I’ve been on countless distillery tours, but my visit to Stauning Danish Whisky Distillery truly stood out. Nestled in the picturesque west coast of Denmark, Stauning offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation that left a lasting impression on me.

First Impressions

From the moment I arrived, the warm hospitality was evident. The staff were friendly and incredibly knowledgeable, making everyone feel welcome. The distillery itself is a sight to behold, with its modern yet rustic architecture perfectly blending into the scenic Danish landscape.

The Tour

The guided tour was thorough and engaging. It lasted about 90 minutes, and we got to see every step of the whisky-making process. I was particularly impressed by their commitment to traditional methods, like floor malting and using small copper pot stills. It’s clear that the folks at Stauning take great pride in their craft.

Of course, the highlight was the tasting session. We sampled a variety of their whiskies, including the Stauning Rye and the award-winning Stauning Peated. Each one had its own distinct character and flavor profile, reflecting the care and expertise that goes into every bottle. My favorite was the Stauning KAOS, a complex blend that perfectly balanced smoky and sweet notes.

Special Events and Extras

Stauning also offers special events and tasting sessions that delve deeper into their whisky-making process. If you’re a whisky enthusiast like me, these events are a must. They provide a unique opportunity to taste special cask maturations and learn from the experts themselves.

Overall, I’d rate my experience at Stauning Danish Whisky Distillery a solid 4.7 out of 5. The only slight downside was that the tour slots fill up quickly, so you need to book in advance. But honestly, that’s a minor issue considering the overall experience. Stauning is a gem in the world of whisky, and I highly recommend a visit if you ever find yourself in Denmark.

What To Do Nearby Stauning Danish Whisky Distillery

Skjern Enge National Park (3.7 miles): Immerse yourself in nature at Skjern Enge National Park. This vast wetland area boasts diverse landscapes with meadows, lakes, and marshes. Explore the park on foot, bike, or kayak, and observe a variety of birdlife, including cranes, geese, and ducks.

Skjern Windmill (5.2 miles): Take a step back in time and visit the historic Skjern Windmill. Built in 1857, this beautifully preserved windmill offers a glimpse into traditional Danish milling techniques. Climb the windmill for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Ringkøbing Fjord (11.8 miles): Experience the beauty of the Danish coast at Ringkøbing Fjord. This large fjord is a popular destination for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and kayaking. You can also enjoy a scenic hike or bike ride along the fjord’s perimeter and soak in the stunning coastal scenery.

Jelling Monuments (22.3 miles): Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jelling Monuments are a must-see for history buffs. These impressive Viking Age burial mounds and runestones mark the resting place of King Gorm the Old and his son, Harald Bluetooth, who introduced Christianity to Denmark.

LEGOLAND Billund (42.3 miles): If you’re traveling with children, a trip to LEGOLAND Billund is a guaranteed hit. This world-famous theme park features rides, shows, and attractions all built from Lego bricks! Prepare to be amazed by the creativity and ingenuity on display.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Stauning Danish Whisky Distillery?

La Toscana Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Storegade 36, 6880 Tarm. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +45 97 37 32 77.

Pagoden Foodtrucks: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Feldsingvej 3, 6900 Skjern. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +45 28 29 44 27.

Edessa Pizzaria: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is unknown, but it is located in the area around 55.9484901, 8.4917574. For reservations, you can reach out to them directly through their listed phone on Google Maps.

What hotels are near Stauning Danish Whisky Distillery?

Skaven Strand Camping og Sommerhusudlejning: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Skavenvej 32, 6880 Tarm. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +45 97 37 40 69.

Hotel Smedegaarden: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Jernbanegade 2, 6880 Tarm. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +45 97 37 10 24.

Hotel Skjern: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Bredgade 58, 6900 Skjern. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +45 97 35 10 22.